About Us
STAR Aviation was born out of a commitment to community and a love of aviation. When it became uncertain whether Mauston-New Lisbon Airport would continue to be home to a flight school, Sam, Tim, and Allegra didn't hesitate. They co-founded STAR Aviation with the goal of keeping flight training alive at the airport that had given so much to each of them.
What makes us different isn't just our credentials but it's our investment to the local community. STAR aviation exists to serve our local community, to support the dream of learning to fly, and to keep the spirt of aviation alive.
Whether you're taking your very first discovery flight or working toward an advanced rating, you'll find a team here that is genuinely rooting for you. We believe flight training should feel welcoming, not intimidating. We believe every student deserves instructors who are invested in your journey, knowledgeable, and excited to share what they love.
Meet Our Team
Tim P
Chief Flight Instructor & Co-Owner
Tim is a retired Navy Submarine Officer whose interest in aviation started in Elementary School when his dad took him on a discovery flight at the local airport. Even though his career led him under the sea instead of into the skies, his interest in aviation never fully went away.
While on shore duty in 2020 he finally had time to complete flight training and obtained his Private Pilot Certificate in late 2020 followed by his instrument rating in 2021. After retiring from the Navy in 2023, he continued his pilot training and obtained his Commercial, Flight Instructor, and Instrument Flight Instructor Certificates in early 2024.
Over the past two years he has provided hundreds of hours of flight instruction emphasizing safety, high level of knowledge, and promoting learning beyond the minimums required by the FAA.
Monet G
CFI/CFII/MEI
Monet was born and raised in Hawaii, but her passion for aviation brought her all the way to Wisconsin to complete her flight training.
She is a CFII and MEI who enjoys working with students at all stages—from brand-new pilots to those pursuing advanced ratings. Her goal is to create a supportive and encouraging environment while helping each student become a safe, confident pilot.
When she’s not flying, Monet enjoys reading or building Legos. She is dedicated to her students and takes pride in helping each one reach the finish line.
Allegra P
Business Development Manager & Co-Owner
Allegra's first experience in a small airplane was in high school when a friend flew her to Martha's Vineyard- an experience that ignited her fascination with general aviation. As a physician, she has first hand experience with the intersection of medicine and aviation. During her medical training, she rotated in Block Island, RI and Valdez, AK, where rural communities relied on GA pilots for transportation to gain access to care. These experiences cemented Allegra's resolve to become an active supporter of the aviation community.
Since Allegra moved to Juneau County, she has been an active member of the local EAA Chapter and recently completed training to become a designated Aviation Medical Examiner. As part of the STAR Aviation Team, she is excited to serve the community by supporting a flight school environment where students feel welcomed, encouraged, and confident as they progress through their training.
In her free time, Allegra is an avid traveler, cyclist, and dog mom. She enjoys cooking, supporting local businesses and the community, and brainstorming the next best idea for STAR Aviation's direction.
Sam S
CFI/CFII & Co-Owner
Sam’s passion for aviation began as a young girl, spending summers at her grandparents' house under the final approach course for Runway 36 in Madison. She'd sit outside for hours watching planes fly overhead, amazed that something so big could get off the ground.
As a first-generation pilot, she had no idea where to begin. So, in 2019 she called her local airport and said, "I want to learn how to fly!" While Sam earned her private pilot certificate in Madison, she ended up completing her additional ratings at the Mauston - New Lisbon airport.
Today, Sam holds CFI and CFII ratings and helps people chase their aviation dreams. She especially enjoys working with brand-new students and instrument pilots, and watching someone have those "a-ha!" moments never gets old. Sam’s teaching style centers on safety, practical learning, and building strong foundational habits.
Outside of aviation, she loves hiking (especially in the desert), spending time with her cat Benjamin Franklin, watching hockey, and volunteering with a beagle rescue group.